Kuldeep Yadav’s Coach Backs India Comeback
Kuldeep Yadav’s childhood coach Kapil Pandey has backed the Indian spinner to regain a regular place in the national team despite being excluded from the playing XI throughout the recent ODI series against England.
Kuldeep Yadav’s India Team Future
Pandey said Kuldeep remains focused on representing India and accepts that selection decisions rest with the captain and coaching staff. He dismissed concerns that repeated exclusions had left the 31-year-old frustrated, adding that being part of the national squad remained a matter of pride.
The coach expressed confidence that Kuldeep would make an impact whenever another opportunity arrived. He described the left-arm wrist-spinner as a resilient competitor capable of contributing across formats.
Kuldeep Yadav ODI Exclusion
Kuldeep was not selected for any of the three ODIs against England, including the final match at Lord’s. His absence attracted attention because India were without several regular bowling options and chose a pace-heavy combination.
The spinner has taken 194 wickets in 118 ODIs. Pandey said Kuldeep’s performances should be assessed by their impact rather than only the number of matches he has played. He also highlighted the bowler’s contribution during India’s 2024 home Test series against England.
Kuldeep has appeared in 18 Tests since making his international debut in 2017.
Kuldeep Yadav Comeback Prospects
Pandey said the spinner continues to work on his bowling, fitness and batting at an academy in Kanpur. Kuldeep regularly returns to the facility after international assignments and Indian Premier League campaigns for additional training and practice matches.
The coach also pointed to Kuldeep’s domestic century and half-centuries as evidence of his efforts to strengthen his lower-order batting. He believes sustained preparation and mental resilience can help Kuldeep earn a longer run in India’s playing XI.
